| Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the | | | | Patients who aim to follow an Ulcerative Colitis |
| large intestine. Only the colon is affected. It is a | | | | diet will benefit in general and not just in a |
| condition that flares up unpredictably, but patients | | | | reduction of symptoms and lesser frequency of |
| also experience extended periods of remission. | | | | flare-ups. The foods recommended are good, |
| With adequate diet and a focus on minimal stress, | | | | healthy foods that the general population should |
| the disease can be controlled and managed. | | | | be enjoying. |
| One of the most important aspects to remember | | | | Drink plenty of fluids |
| about Ulcerative Colitis, is that diet doesn't cause | | | | Water is the most obvious choice for fluid intake |
| the condition; it is merely a way of making life | | | | and is essential in calming an inflamed colon. |
| more comfortable for sufferers. A well-balanced | | | | Vegetable juices can help to provide minerals that |
| and nutritious diet is very beneficial. Taking | | | | may be lacking. |
| supplements can also help to adjust the nutrient | | | | Protein |
| intake and prevent the malnutrition that is | | | | Ulcerative Colitis diet or not, protein is vital for |
| commonly seen as a result from Ulcerative Colitis. | | | | growth and cell repair. Whether it comes from |
| A healthy diet | | | | lean meats, dried beans, legumes or soy, protein |
| As much as anyone else in the population, | | | | is a must-have. |
| patients of this disease should aim to follow a | | | | Complex carbs |
| balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, | | | | It's recommended that in an Ulcerative Colitis diet, |
| some dairy, grains and meats. Every person | | | | half of the patient's calories should come from |
| needs calcium for bone and teeth strength, | | | | complex carbohydrates, such as those found in |
| protein for growth and tissue repair, iron for | | | | whole grains, oat bran, fruits and vegetables. |
| energy and fruits and vegetables for fiber, | | | | Extra sweet fruits should be avoided but berries, |
| vitamins and minerals. In Ulcerative Colitis, certain | | | | oranges, apples, grapefruits and plums are actually |
| foods can create problems for sufferers. | | | | considered protective to the colon. Complex carb |
| What might be called an 'Ulcerative Colitis diet' is | | | | foods provide an excellent source of vital fiber, |
| one that aims not to irritate the colon. The first | | | | which is thought to reduce damage to the |
| course of action is to become familiar with the | | | | intestinal tract that comes with UC. |
| kinds of foods that exacerbate symptoms, and | | | | Fish oils |
| eliminate them as much as possible, if not entirely. | | | | Oily fish, flaxseed and canola oils contain an |
| Although UC patients do not generally | | | | abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids which help |
| demonstrate intolerances to food, they do report | | | | protect against inflammation. |
| that particular foods intensify their symptoms. | | | | Potassium |
| Here is a list of typical foods to eliminate from an | | | | An Ulcerative Colitis diet should include plenty of |
| Ulcerative Colitis diet:o Milk products.o Saturated | | | | potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocadoes, |
| fats as found in animal products and dairy foods.o | | | | oranges, cantaloupes, pears, dried peas and beans, |
| Inflammatory foods such as alcohol, caffeine and | | | | potatoes and nuts. Potassium is an intestine |
| refined sugars.o Intestinal irritants like cabbage, | | | | protector and is also thought to reduce the risk |
| Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and broccoli.o | | | | of developing kidney stones. |
| Corn products.o Foods containing gluten, which | | | | One of the most important things to include in an |
| include foods produced from wheat, barley, | | | | Ulcerative Colitis diet is water. Patients must drink |
| triticale and oats.o The usual allergenic suspects | | | | plenty of water, aim to eat small meals and |
| such as eggs, peanuts and soy.o High-sugar fruits | | | | choose foods that will prevent inflammation of |
| like watermelon, pineapple and grapes. | | | | the colon. |
| Beneficial foods | | | | |